Message from Head of Department

In a rapidly changing world, emergencies and disasters are no longer rare events – they have become a part of our daily reality. Climate change is driving a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme natural phenomena, from wildfires and floods to unprecedented heatwaves. At the same time, regional and international conflicts are taking center stage in the global landscape, directly affecting the security, health, and well-being of countless populations.

In this reality, the urgent need for skilled professionals is more evident than ever – individuals with a systemic perspective, the ability to make decisions under uncertainty, and a deep desire to lead change. This is the mission of the Department of Emergency and Disaster Management: to train the next generation of leaders in the field – a generation that will know how to prepare, respond, and recover systems and communities in times of crisis.

Our graduates hold key positions in government agencies, local authorities, healthcare organizations, emergency and rescue services, humanitarian bodies, and the private sector. They are active partners in shaping concepts, policies, and implementation – from the preparedness stage, through operational response, to recovery and learning.

As Head of the Department, I see both the responsibility and the opportunity that lie before us: to continue building an excellent academic and applied community – one that combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical tools and values of service, responsibility, and human commitment.

I invite you to join us – to learn, to make an impact, and to become part of a profession the world needs now more than ever.

Sincerely,
Prof. Moran Bodas
Head of the Department